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Lost in venice

We are planning a trip to Venice in Sept. and would like to go to the islands of Murano and Burano on our own. We're staying on a cruise ship and wondered how hard it is to use the water buses? No Italian experience.

Very very simple - print out a schedule and numbers of the several lines - buy a day pass if taking more than say two rides - costs almost as much as one or two tickets and you can ride anywhere all day.

Very very easy...do not worry. Lines are clearly marked and very easy to understand. The worst that happens is you get on the wrong boat and get off at the next stop on get on the right one. The boats come by every few minutes. Have a great time. Plus...getting lost while walking is an added bonus. You can explore the off the beaten path areas while all the throngs of tourists are visiting the top tourist spots. Plan on getting lost at least once..it's fun I promise.

As Pal says you need a map of venice showing the vaporetto lines, then you are good to go.

the boats to the islands go from the Fondamente Nove which needs a walk or to connect with another vaporetto. the best way to pay for this is by getting a 24 hour vaporetto card which will be cheaper than getting several individual tickets especially as the trip to the islands is very expensive - even more than the ordinary single ticket at €7 per trip.

Can I suggest that you add the tiny island of Torcello to your list? you get another boat from Burano which takes no more than 10 mins and then walk along a canal for a few minuted to get to the 1000+ year old cathedral complete with ancient mosaics.